Apply now for emergency food and shelter program funds

Marion County may be awarded federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. If funding is received, it will supplement emergency food and temporary lodging programs in the area. “When and if funding becomes available, the national board cannot guarantee any specific jurisdiction will qualify for funds or guarantee any particular level of funding. However, the national board does encourage the local boards to begin the Phase 29 process.”
The national board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency management Agency (FEMA) will allocate funds if and when they become available. This board consists of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Council of Jewish Federations, Catholic Charities, USA, and United Way of America, which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent. The board will be charged to distribute funds if they are appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.
A local board made up of representatives from the county judge executive’s office, the Ministerial Association, the American Red Cross, the low income groups, other interested parties will determine how the funds awarded to Marion County will be distributed between the emergency food and temporary lodging programs operated by local service organizations in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.
Marion County had distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously with Central Kentucky Community Action Council, Inc.
Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for emergency food and shelter program funds contact Marion County Community Action for any application.
The local board meeting has been scheduled for April 6, 2011, at 2 p.m. at the Marion County Community Action Office, 334 Hood Ave., Lebanon, KY 40033.
Further information on this program may be obtained by contacting Rose Mary Edlin at 692-6411.